Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. A bronze prayer wheel decorated with characters displaying the Sanskrit mantra, "Om mani padme hum" associated with the bodhisattva of compassion Avalokitesvara. Mani translates as jewel or bead and Padme translates as the sacred lotus flower. The middle part of the mantra translates as "jewel in the lotus" when addressing the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. It is believed that when an individual spins the wheel, he or she will achieve the same result as if reciting the mantra that many times. For the first citation of this mantra, scholars point to the "Karandavyuha Sutra" which was published in the 11th century; however, some scholars believe that the mantra as recited in Tibetan Buddhism originated in the "Sadhanamala" published in the 12th century. A fabulous example with a lead dangler that produces a wonderful sound as the prayer wheel is spun. Size: 4"x 2-3/4" in diameter (10 cm x 7 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, Santa Monica, CA.

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#109572

Handle missing. Hole in one terminal. Surface wear as shown.